Patriots Rumors: Jim Harbaugh, Mike Vrabel Weren't Contacted Before Jerod Mayo Hire

The New England Patriots reportedly did not contact any other potential candidates before promoting Jerod Mayo to head coach on Friday.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Patriots kept everything in-house and didn't reach out to any of the hottest names possibly available on the head-coaching market, including University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel or Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

The Patriots and longtime head coach Bill Belichick announced Thursday that they mutually agreed to part ways, ending the legend's 24-year tenure with the organization.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Patriots had a succession plan in place as part of Mayo's contract, and they decided to go through with it, meaning they were not required to interview other candidates.

Mayo was a Patriots linebacker from 2008 to 2015, earning two Pro Bowl selections, the 2008 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award and a Super Bowl win during his tenure.

Belichick hired him to be the team's inside linebackers coach in 2019, and he quickly gained a sterling reputation, which led to rumors and speculation that he was potentially the next in line to become head coach after Belichick.

It long seemed likely that Belichick would get to stay in New England as long as he wanted after winning six Super Bowls and 17 AFC East titles, but the team struggled mightily in recent years.

The Pats failed to reach the playoffs in three of the past four seasons, and they posted a 4-13 record this year, which was their worst mark in 24 seasons under Belichick.

As a result, Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced a parting of ways Thursday, and the expectation is that the 71-year-old Belichick will coach elsewhere next season.

That left the Patriots with no shortage of options, including potentially splashy hires in Harbaugh and Vrabel.

The issue with Harbaugh is that the Patriots may have needed to wait for him to decide on whether he plans to return to the NFL, as every indication is that he still hasn't made that choice.

Harbaugh spent the past nine seasons coaching his alma mater and led Michigan to a perfect 15-0 record and a national title this past season.

During a previous four-year run as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, Harbaugh took them to the NFC Championship Game three times and the Super Bowl once, so he could be the top candidate available for other teams if he throws his hat into the ring.

As for Vrabel, he spent six seasons as head coach of the Titans, posting a 54-45 record with three playoff appearances and one trip to the AFC Championship Game. He was also the 2021 NFL Coach of the Year.

Vrabel accomplished more with less in Tennessee, as he never had top-notch quarterback play, and he has deep ties to New England, spending eight seasons with the Pats as a linebacker and winning three Super Bowls.

In terms of those without previous NFL head coaching experience, Johnson is perhaps the most highly sought-after coach available, as he helped the NFC North champion Lions finish third on total offense and fifth in scoring offense this season.

Ultimately, the Patriots went with another coach without head coaching experience in Mayo, but he should be set up for success due to his familiarity with the "Patriot way" and how things operate in New England.